Ben Smith set to be switched to preferred full-back position for second Test,
with Savea starting on the left wing in Dunedin

New Zealand have made just one injury-enforced change for the second Test against England in Dunedin, with Julian Savea returning to the line-up after Israel Dagg was ruled out with thigh and knee injuries.

Steve Hansen, the All Blacks head coach, resisted the temptation to recall No 8 Kieran Read, who will spend another week working on his aerobic conditioning following his prolonged lay-off with concussion symptoms.

His continued absence means Jerome Kaino will wear No 8 again and win his 50th cap.

Dagg’s omission from the All Blacks line-up results in Ben Smith being switched to his preferred position of full-back, with Savea, who missed the first Test because of a knee injury, starting on the left wing.

Hansen clearly believes that the decision to avoid knee-jerk changes after the narrow victory over England should result in a higher level of performance.

“We have worked hard on our skillsets, attitude and the detail in our game, which wasn’t up to All Blacks standard last week,” said Hansen.

“Our mindset this week has been all about improvement, taking ownership and responsibility for our individual roles with the aim of delivering a team performance we can all be proud of.

“We have a strong belief in what we are trying to do and I assume the English do as well. So come 7.35 on Saturday night, it’s game on once again. That’s what test rugby is all about and that’s why we can’t wait for Saturday night to arrive.”

Meanwhile Dan Carter, the New Zealand fly-half, will make his first return to action this weekend after a enjoying a sabbatical away from the game since winning his 100th cap in the victory over England at Twickenham last November.

Carter will start in the Luisetti Seeds Division One play-off match when Southbridge host Glenmark on Saturday. Carter said he was itching to return to action after undergoing ankle surgery and also making a full recovery from an Achilles tendon injury.